One of the presents we got the boys at Christmas was an archery taster session. I got one for hubby too, so it would have been rude not to get one for myself! The session was so good I started writing this review of Chiltern Archery in the car on the way home!
The safety briefing and eye test
When you first arrive you’re given a quick safety briefing. Only cross the line when the whistle has gone. Don’t even touch the arrows when someone is in the target area. Sensible stuff like that. You also do an eye test. I’ve done archery a couple of times with Scouts etc and had no idea I’m left eyed!
The taster session
Each taster session is an hour long. There were two other people on the lesson, so six in total in our group. For some reason I was under the impression (or assumption really) that we’d all be shooting pretty much constantly. We weren’t, but we still got to shoot plenty of arrows. You had a one-to-one session initially and then it was two at a time.
The bloke who was teaching us (and I forgot to get his name) was hilarious. He was really good with the kids as well as us adults. His coaching was really good and he only slightly took the piss out of me when I shot a arrow right over the top of the target! One of the things that I really liked is how much he encouraged the kids. Middle Child didn’t think he was doing very well but the coach kept on praising and encouraging him.
The next step
If you want to take archery to the next level (which we are seriously considering!) Then the next step is to do a beginners course. It’s three one hour sessions where you’ll learn more about how to shoot safely but you’ll also get in-depth coaching. Once you’ve completed the course you’ll get a certificate that can be shown at any other archery range to prove your competence. The course cost £90 per person, and £30 for each additional person.
Taster Session Cost at Chiltern Archery
A one hour taster session costs £30 per person. Sessions much be pre-booked in advance. You can currently save up to 50% on the session cost by using this affiliate link.
How to get there / Parking
Free parking onsite
The Archery Centre, Buckland, Aylesbury HP22 5HZ
Toilets
There are toilets onsite, but they’re not exactly luxurious but they serve their purpose
Food
None on site but everyone seemed to have brought their own snacks!
Our Chiltern Archery review
I’ve never written a review quickly as this one for Chiltern Archery. The taster session was a great way to start learning about the sport, and I think Hubby may now be bitten by the bug! They also do birthday parties which I think is a great idea!
If you want to make a day of it then you could pop over to Aston Clinton Park. There’s a lovely playground, cafe and even a beach! Check out my review here.
